Fear of not seeing her kids grow up inspired mum to lose 4 stones

A BURTON mum has shed four stone – inspired by fears her health might mean she would not see her children grow up.

Michelle Wallis, 29, who lives in Horninglow Road, had the right-hand side of her pelvis removed when she was younger after a tumour was discovered.

As a result, she has been wheelchair-bound for 16 years.

She said she had struggled with her weight for a long time, as well as suffering from post-natal depression.

A realisation that her health and weight could see her life cut short spurred Michelle into action – she joined the WeightWatchers group in Stretton, run by Kirsty MacArthur.

Michelle said: “I must admit that with using a wheelchair, and only being able to walk a tiny bit in the house, I didn’t think I would be able to lose weight.

“I have been blown away by my success so far, though. WeightWatchers has worked for me, and it motivated me to start pushing myself that bit further – be it pushing my wheelchair to the next bus stop or becoming much more adventurous with food.”

She said that when she first started attending the meetings she kept herself to herself, but has since made friends for life, who have offered support along the way.

She said: “My confidence has grown so much and now I not only work as a clerk in my meeting, but also have a new job. I’m doing a college course and a degree.

“Even with three children and a busy life I make sure to make time for myself and my weight loss by attending my meeting every week.”